Under PMSSY, AIIMS were set up in different parts of the country in a phased manner. (image:facebook.com/JagatPrakashNadda)

New Delhi: The Centre affirmed on Tuesday that the establishment of an AIIMS in Kerala has not been sanctioned under the current phase of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). This clarification was provided by Union Health Minister JP Nadda in the Rajya Sabha, in response to a starred question from CPI(M) MP Dr John Brittas.

“The proposal has not been approved in current phase of PMSSY,” Nadda stated.

Also Read | Centre Responds To MP On Youth Heart Attacks, Cites Likely Reasons

The Government of Kerala has identified and proposed four sites for the AIIMS project. These are: Kinaloor in Kozhikode district, Kattakada Taluk in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kottayam district, and Ernakulam district.

However, Minister said that PMSSY scheme is working to improve healthcare by strengthening and upgrading of tertiary healthcare facilities in Kerala. As part of this, the Centre and State are jointly funding the construction of Super Speciality Blocks (SSBs) at Trivandrum Medical College, TD Medical College (Alappuzha), and Kozhikode Medical College.

“In addition, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum, has also been approved for upgradation by way of construction of Super Speciality Block (SSB) on cost sharing basis between Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Department of Science and Technology, Government of India,” Nadda said.

Also Read | What Centre Said On MGNREGS Fund Disbursal, Pending Dues, And Release Measures

Nadda informed that under PMSSY, AIIMS were set up in different parts of the country in a phased manner. To date, the establishment of 22 AIIMS has been sanctioned under the Scheme.